This week we have mobilised a Community Response Team to ensure that there is additional support available for our local communities during the Coronavirus Outbreak. 

We have divided the South Hams into eight Cluster areas and West Devon into six, each area has been assigned a lead and second officer who will be the first point of contact on any queries or issues related to the response.  These officers will be working closely with the local Ward Members, who will be instrumental in supporting their local communities.

For all enquires relating to your area please contact your Ward Councillors as the first point of contact. 

We have been alerted to a number of scams circulating about COVID-19 from Trading Standards, who have produced a guide to current scams, which is attached to this bulletin.

• Counterfeit goods such as hand sanitiser, face masks and swabbing kits are also being widely advertised online.
• Financial scams, both online and by telephone, have also increased as criminals seek to take advantage of the financial uncertainty many people and businesses face due to the Coronavirus.
• These include calls pretending to be from your bank or mortgage provider and an increase in loan shark activity.
• Communities are also being urged to look out for doorstep traders. Whilst there are many genuine community groups and charities that are helping those who are most isolated, it is important to be aware of those who may be taking money under the false pretence of helping with day-to-day tasks.

Please stay vigilant and watch out for scams in your area, which often target elderly and vulnerable people within the community.  Please circulate this message around your communities and social media to try and keep our communities safe.

We have today launched a website to advertise food and essential goods suppliers across West Devon and South Hams to help our residents find local suppliers.

Registration is free and we would like to make sure that as many local businesses as possible can advertise their services to residents.

This includes:

• Food banks providing collection or delivery services
• Shops, butchers and pharmacies offering delivery of essential supplies
• Shops, butchers and pharmacies offering dedicated opening hours for vulnerable residents of key workers

If you provide any of the above across South Hams and/or West Devon, please register your details on the links below.

Limited contact with the outside world may case tensions at home leading to an increase in domestic abuse.  Help is available.

Contact Devon and Cornwall Victim Support on the link below.